Update: Dr Hayes called today Wednesday February 18. Just to see how Karl was doing. And if the tumor looked less angry. I told him it did look somewhat smaller. The antibiotics he gave Karl last week are working on the infection. So time will tell. So we go this Friday and then the 24th for his next treatment.
In September, Karl and Jamie celebrated 45 years of marriage — a lifetime of loving one another, weathering storms together, and showing up for family and friends whenever they were needed.
Just weeks later, everything changed.
A lump appeared on Karl’s face near his left ear. What first seemed like something minor quickly became far more serious. After multiple referrals and biopsies, they were told it was an aggressive cancer. Because of its location near his ear and eye, treatment is complex and ongoing. He now travels 90 minutes to Memphis every three weeks for immunotherapy.
At the same time, Jamie continues to fight her own difficult health battles. After an aortic valve replacement and a long, exhausting struggle with Crohn’s Disease, she spent more than a year largely bedridden and unable to eat normally. She has worked incredibly hard to regain strength, but her diet remains limited and medically necessary.
Instead of enjoying this season of life together, they are navigating specialists, treatments, long drives, and constant medical decisions — all while living on a fixed income.
The emotional weight is heavy enough. The financial strain makes it harder.
Even with insurance, copays, prescriptions, travel expenses, possible procedures, and treatment payments are adding up quickly. They are doing everything they can to stay steady — but they cannot do this alone.
We are hoping to raise $14,000 to help ease the burden of medical expenses so Karl and Jamie can focus on healing, rest, and simply being together during this difficult season.
If you are able to give, your support will go directly toward ongoing treatment, travel, and essential medical care. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is deeply appreciated.
After 45 years of standing side by side, they are facing one of their hardest chapters yet. Thank you for standing with them now.